Putting Down Roots: Maren's List

Sept 15: Tree Tender course on Washington's Landing

2012-09-15T11:05:00.000-04:00

Become a Tree Tender in 2012!

Not a Tree Tender yet? Join Tree Pittsburgh at one of our popular coursesand learn about urban forestry, tree biology, pruning, planting, and tree maintenance basics. We expect to train our 1000th Tree Tender in our March course! Could you be him or her? We plan to celebrate!

Register for one of these Tree Tender Courses here, and join nearly 1000 Pittsburghers greening the City, one tree at a time:

Saturday March 10th, Carlow University, Oakland
Saturday June 16th, Rothschild-Doyno Collaborative, Strip District
Saturday September 15th, Western PA Conservancy, Washington's Landing

Tree Tenders was chosen as the "Best Way to Get Your Hands Dirty" by the City Paper in 2011!

Jun 16: Tree Tender course in the Strip

2012-06-16T11:03:00.000-04:00

Become a Tree Tender in 2012!

Saturday March 10th, Carlow University, Oakland
Saturday June 16th, Rothschild-Doyno Collaborative, Strip District
Saturday September 15th, Western PA Conservancy, Washington's Landing

Tree Tenders was chosen as the "Best Way to Get Your Hands Dirty" by the City Paper in 2011!

May 25-28: Heartwood Forest Council

2012-05-25T16:30:00.000-04:00

Heartwood is a regional network of public forest defense and advocacy grassroots organizations, with member groups in most states where the Eastern Hardwood forests once covered majestic and wild, from the Ozarks to the Appalachians. Each year Heartwood hosts two regional scale events, one held annually over the Memorial Day weekend in a different state each year. This year Heartwood’s 22nd Annual Forest Council will be hosted by the Allegheny Defense Project (ADP), and held at Camp Olmstead (316 4th Ave., Warren, PA 16365). This weekend conference will focus on the how-to and what-next of state and national forest protection. Marcellus threats in PA and NY are among the many threats in the Appalachian region, and share many parallels with the Mountaintop Removal fight in southern West Virginia where the Forest Council was held last year, or with lead mining in Missouri’s Mark Twain National Forest where Heartwood also has member organizations. Biomass incineration for electric power is a particular threat to our forests and farm soils alike, but discussions of scale come into particular focus on this topic. We want to build on the work done at APIEL and other recent regional conferences, and provide a forum to build momentum in these grassroots movements. Networking across this region has proven to be an effective tool in forest protection, and we are reaching out to you to strengthen that network in the face of these new threats because you already share a part of this movement to build a new vision.

This year’s theme is drawn from the nature of the major threats to our forest region, and explores their impact on both rural and urban life ways. Marcellus drilling, the Seneca bid to take management of the Kinzua Dam Hydro power rights, coal, solar and wind issues, all suggest that we think deeper about energy production and consumption in our society and our daily life, as we prepare to reclaim the structures that have led to such tremendous inequity around the globe. The primary focus or goal of the weekend is to share skills and provide training for activist Forest Watch, and coordinate local and regional forest protection and advocacy. Speakers this year will include Thomas Buchele, the Clinical Professor of Law and Managing Attorney, Pacific Environmental Advocacy Center ("PEAC") at Lewis and Clarke Law School who has fought for the protection of public lands for more than 25 years. Past attendees and featured speakers have included Woody Harrelson and US Congress Representative Cynthia McKinney (D-GA), both champions of public forest protection among the hundreds and dozens who stop timber sales every day with letters, appeals, litigation and direct action.

One of the outcomes from the Forest Watch agenda in the program is a monthly Pittsburgh outing to Marcellus permit sites on nearby state forests, game lands, and parks, monitoring and commenting on the Permit from the beginning of the process, and alternating regular meetings with day-trip outings to collect on-the-ground data, and rescuing some of the plants from these threatened sites. Volunteers with computer mapping skills will be needed to incorporate data into strategic and interactive formats.

More information and a solicitation for participating organizations can be found here. If you are interested in hosting a workshop topic or have any questions about Heartwood or the upcoming Forest Council, please contact HW Board Member and Pittsburgh contact Matt Peters at 412-320-0739 or mattnedludd@gmail.com .

Mar 10: Tree Tender course at Carlow

2012-03-10T11:02:00.000-05:00

Become a Tree Tender in 2012!

Saturday March 10th, Carlow University, Oakland
Saturday June 16th, Rothschild-Doyno Collaborative, Strip District
Saturday September 15th, Western PA Conservancy, Washington's Landing

Tree Tenders was chosen as the "Best Way to Get Your Hands Dirty" by the City Paper in 2011!

Moved to Feb 19: Sustainability Salon Series: Solar Edition! (and SSSing)

2012-02-19T12:54:00.000-05:00

salon |səˈlän; saˈlô n |: (historical) a regular social gathering of eminent people (esp. writers and artists) at the house of a woman prominent in high society; a meeting of intellectuals or other eminent people at the invitation of a celebrity or socialite.

Regular, that's the plan (subject to Mother Nature, of course!). Eminent and intellectual people, to be sure -- that's yinz. House, check. Woman, c'est moi. High society, celebrity, socialite? Not so much. Salons occurred in 17th-century France, purportedly powering the Enlightenment, and were more recently repopularized by the Utne Reader. I've long contemplated hosting an ongoing series of conversational salons in this tradition: informal gatherings around the notion of sustainability. Some will have a featured guest to lead a discussion on a particular topic, others will be open to whatever comes up.

Since we just installed the newest solar photovoltaic system in Pittsburgh

(featured on a recent solar tour), we'll start the series with an event devoted to discussion of solar power -- you'll have an opportunity to see our system (nestled among the roof garden) and we'll welcome Ian Smith, the local rep for Standard Solar, who can fill us in on how it all works and answer questions. So far (in the depths of winter), our grid-tied system has produced 171 kWh, enough electricity to offset 261 lbs of carbon dioxide -- the carbon-sink equivalent of three trees. When summer rolls around, we will likely exceed our household usage by a wide margin.

In conjunction with kicking off the conversation on a solar theme, we are resurrecting our Second Saturday Sings: a monthly potluck and folksing that has been on a too-long hiatus during a lengthy period of transition to our not-so-new house. So on Saturday February 19th, we're throwing our house in Frick Park open to friends old and new for an afternoon of conversation followed by dinner and music. I even have one or two solar-power songs up my sleeve for the segué! We'll start at 2 p.m., and wind down around 9 or so. Bring food or drink to share if you can, along with musical instruments if you play (and we have a bunch here -- in particular, please let me know if you play guitar, whether or not you'll be bringing one). RSVPs are much appreciated (both to get a handle on attendance, and just in case we get a blizzard or someone comes down with something terribly contagious); please email me (my name in this format: first.last@gmail.com ) and I'll send you directions if you need 'em.

Feb 18: Sierra Club/Forest Watch meeting & discussion

2012-02-18T16:08:00.000-05:00

The Allegheny Group’s Public Lands Action Team (PLAT) will host a community meeting to help develop a plan of action and outings for the Spring.

The Forest Watch program is based on the model developed by the Allegheny Defense Project and Heartwood, and includes planning for Plant Rescue activities if necessary. This model has been successful in stopping timber sales and other destructive activities on public lands for more than 20 years.

Cathy Pedlar, ADP Forest Watch Coordinator from Erie PA and Ernie Reed of Heartwood from Charlottesville, VA will be in attendance for this initial meeting. Bill Belitskus, ADP Board Chair and once a candidate for Congress, will speak at this event. Light refreshments will be provided. All are welcome to attend!

Join us for this afternoon discussion and strategy meeting!

4-6 pm at the Sierra Club Office, 425 N. Craig St. (Suite 202), Pittsburgh, PA 15213. For more information contact Matt Peters at mattnedludd@gmail.com, or 412-320-0739

Feb 11: Frisbees for Food! in Schenley Park

2012-02-11T10:57:00.000-05:00

Join GASP and PFDS to throw frisbees for a good cause. OK, technically, they're not frisbees. They're discs, and we're throwing them because we're supporting an event to raise money and food for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. The Pittsburgh Flying Disc Society (PFDS) is holding the Ice Bowl 2012 to benefit the Food Bank, and it's happening this Saturday. Come learn how to play disc golf at Schenley Park and join GASP staff for free coffee, donuts, and 18 holes of disc golf goodness. People of all skill levels are welcome.

Don't know what this is ll about? Mark from PFDS explains it all here.

Feb 11: Rally for Public Education

2012-02-11T09:27:00.000-05:00

Organized by public school parents, students, teachers and concerned citizens in Pittsburgh and the surrounding region. This rally is a really important way to show our positive support for public schools and to get media attention focused on the devastating budget cuts. It will be short (one hour), fun, and we will have postcards and a large banner to sign that will be going with the teens rallying in Harrisburg a few days later.

Here is what you can do to help:

Show up!
RSVP on our Facebook page or use the form on Yinzercation.
Spread the word to your friends, colleagues, and personal networks (this is the single most effective thing you can do). When sending email, attach the color version of the Rally Flyer.
Spread the word to others: sign up on our planning document to contact organizations and others you might know to make this a truly coordinated response.
Distribute copies of the Rally flyer to school groups, offices, or hang up around town. (If you can only print or copy in black and white, please use this grayscale version of the Rally flyer).
Make home-made signs or banners to bring to the Rally: focus on the state cuts and the impact on our schools.
To help make additional visuals for the Rally, please come to a sign party on Thursday, Feb. 9th at 7PM at Kathy Newman’s house (knewman4_at_gmail.com).

Feb 11: Winter Indoor Market

2012-02-11T09:23:00.000-05:00

Longing for summer days when the farmers' markets were in full swing? Here is an opportunity to have a little bit of that now, in the middle of winter!

Drop in at Pittsburgh's first Winter Indoor Market, right in Forest Hills, and buy from local beekeepers, bread bakers, cheese makers...even some local artists. Just like the summer markets, this an opportunity to go straight to the producer of your food, to support their passion for quality as you select great food for yourself and your family. Primarily focusing on food, Winter Market products will include: Honey and bee products like salves and balms; a variety of breads and cheeses; a “Garden-in-a-Box,” teas, candles, with more being added as we go along.

2-5 p.m. at 220 Overdale Road, Forest Hills, 15221. This is a community event, and all are welcome!

Feb 11: Peaceburgh Hammock Gathering

2012-02-11T09:18:00.000-05:00

An exciting evening of live, local music and interactive Jams, as we continue building the Peaceburgh Hammock! (The Hammock is a metaphor for the diverse connections between groups and individuals, which we are building across the many neighborhoods and social circles throughout our city, creating a supportive and nurturing framework for new projects)

This is an opportunity to meet fellow community members, enjoy live music, and get involved with making our city more sustainable, creative, connected, resilient, and wonderful.

The event is at The First United Methodist Church (5401 Centre Ave.) and will go from 7-11pm; the concert will begin at 7:30pm.

7:30pm ~ SpeakLIFE Storytellers
8:00pm ~ Caroline Savery
8:30pm ~ Phil Osophical
9:00pm ~ Interactive Group Jam ~ Anyone and everyone is invited to grab from a wide selection of provided instruments (drums, tambourines, shakers) as we co-create a collective music experience! Please bring your own instruments as well!
9:30pm-11pm ~ This is the time to hang out and meet other Peaceburghers. There will be information provided and opportunities to get involved with local groups like Transition Pittsburgh, Evolver, and Peaceburgh.net. Also, CD’s from the musicians and some other local merchandise will be available.

Sliding-Scale Donation of $5-10. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Check out the Facebook event... and if you would like to be involved with this event in any way, or have any questions, please email Philopgh@gmail.com

Feb 8: “Consensus Organizing: Building Communities of Mutual Self-Interest”

2012-02-08T21:27:00.000-05:00

The University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work 2012 Speaker Series presents, Michael Eichler, Executive Director, ConsensusOrganizing Center at San Diego State University.

Mike Eichler is a faculty member of the School of Social Work at San Diego State University and the Director of the ConsensusOrganizing Center. He has over 20 years of experience in community organizing and is the creator of the method of consensus organizing. He has worked with unemployed steelworkers, casino owners, welfare recipients, bankers, corporate executives and the homeless bringing them together around common self-interest. He began his organizing career in Pittsburgh where he helped a neighborhood battle the illegal practices of racial steering and blockbusting by joining forces with a for profit real estate firm. When hired by Pittsburgh executives to help address economic problems caused by the closing of the steel mills, he brought the unemployed and the business leaders together to begin revitalization of the region. He was asked by the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) to expand his work throughout the country and organized new grass roots efforts in such diverse cities as West Palm Beach Florida, New Orleans Louisiana, Las Vegas Nevada, and Houston Texas. He started his own national non-profit, the Consensus Organizing Institute which trained organizers in the consensus organizing method.

He has been recognized for his contributions by receiving the Mon Valley Initiative’s coveted John Heinz Award and has been selected by San Diego State students as Professor of the Year in 2001, 2004 and 2005.

12:00 pm – 1:30 pm in the School of Social Work Conference Center at the University of Pittsburgh (2017 Cathedral of Learning in Oakland, 15213). Lunch will be provided; registration is not required. Questions? (412) 624-6304 / www.socialwork.pitt.edu

Jan 29: "Take A Shot At Changing The World" kickoff

2012-01-29T19:19:00.000-05:00

The launch of the 2012 "Take A Shot at Changing the World" video contest will include a free screening of the funny and award-winning film "YERT: Your Environmental Road Trip". The contest offers young people up to $10,000 in cash and prizes for making short movies on how they would change the world. YERT is a hilarious and educational look at three filmmakers who set out from the Rachel Carson Homestead near Pittsburgh and visited all fifty states looking for ways to save the planet while producing (and retaining) a shoebox full of trash each month.

Special guests include Mark Dixon, YERT's producer and star, Dr. Patricial DeMarco, Director of the Rachel Carson Institute, Andy Masich, President & CEO of the Heinz History Center, and Carl Kurlander, Executive Producer of Steeltown Entertainment Project. After the YERT showing, stay for a screening of My Hero, last year's winning "Take a Shot" movie from Tyler Anderson of Mt. Lebanon High School. You can see all the entries here.

Last year, over 265 students in the region took a shot at changing the world, and made movies about the polio vaccine in Pittsburgh. This year, the contest is bigger and better and we're encouraging students in SWPA to "make a movie and make a difference", by focusing on Pittsburgh innovations and innovators that have change the world and what you might do to make a difference!

Check out these articles in Pop City! and the Pittsburgh Tribune Review on the contest and the new TV show just shot in Pittsburgh (produced by "Two and a Half Men" director Jamie Widdoes).

2:30 p.m. at the Heinz History Center. Tickets are free, but you should RSVP to Rachel@steeltown.org .

Jan 23, 24, 25, & Feb 12: Urban Forest Master Plan public meetings

2012-01-23T20:28:00.000-05:00

The Urban Forest Master Plan Public Meetings: We Need Your Input!

Hear details about the state of Pittsburgh's urban forest, learn about Pittsburgh's first-ever Urban Forest Master Planning process andprovide detailed input about tree protection and maintenance. Bring a friend!

Learn more about the Urban Forest Master Plan here.

All meetings are free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided. Please RSVP to treestory@treepittsburgh.org or via the Facebook event pages (linked to below).

Community Planning Meeting: EAST

Monday January 23rd

Union Project
801 N. Negley Avenue 15206
5:30 - 7:30PM

See this event on Facebook

Community Planning Meeting: NORTH
Tuesday January 24th
Children's Museum
10 Children's Way 15212
5:30 - 7:30PM

See this event on Facebook

Community Planning Meeting: SOUTH
Wednesday January 25th
WYEP Community Broadcast Center
67 Bedford Square 15203
5:30 - 7:30PM

See this event on Facebook.

Community Planning Meeting WEST

Monday Feb 13th

Banksville Park Shelter, Banksville Park

5:30-7:30PM

See this event on Facebook.

Dec 31: Peaceburgh New Year's celebration

2011-12-31T08:17:00.000-05:00

Dec 10: Human Rights rally and march

2011-12-10T06:41:00.000-05:00

Come out for a rally and march demanding Human Rights, Not Corporate Rights!

‐ we have a right to housing

‐ we have a right to jobs & a livable wage

‐ we have a right to protection from all forms of discrimination

‐ we have a right to education

‐ we have a right to assembly

‐ we have a right to food

‐ we have a right to health care

‐ we have a right to determine our own future...

The United Nations adopted a Declaration of these Rights in 1948 and the U.S.

government has NOT guaranteed these rights for ALL.

Join us in reclaiming these rights for the 99%

Occupy Pittsburgh rally and march for Human Rights on

International Human Rights Day, December 10, 2011 at the

Kingsley Association, 6435 Frankstown Avenue

Indoor rally will start at 1:00 pm (doors open at noon) followed by a march

Find us online:

www.occupypittsburgh.org

www.facebook.com/OccupyPGH

Nov 28, Dec 3, and Dec 10: Marcellus trainings

2011-11-28T23:00:00.000-05:00

In the coming years Exxon Mobil, Range Resources, and others plan to drill tens of thousands more Marcellus Shale wells, threatening our health and environment. That's why they are putting so much energy and resources fighting any policies that will protect us from this dangerous industrial activity. The thousands of drilled Marcellus Shale wells are just the beginning.

PennEnvironment has launched a new project to give Pennsylvanians the tools they need to protect their community.

WHAT: Pittsburgh-area Marcellus Shale Citizen Organizer Training

WHEN & WHERE: Choose from one of three events in the region.

Mt. Lebanon Training: Monday, November 28th, 6:00 p.m.-8:45 p.m. Mt. Lebanon Public Library

Monroeville Training: Saturday, December 3rd, 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. Monroeville Public Library

Squirrel Hill Training: Saturday, December 10th, 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. Carnegie Library of Squirrel Hill

The plan is simple, but big. We need to train a thousand Pennsylvanians with the skills they need to protect their communities from gas drilling. Whether you're new to activism or been on the front lines of the Marcellus Shale, this training will help you take the fight to the next level.

You'll learn from PennEnvironment staff and other organizers in the area how to effectively engage with decision makers on these issues, generate media coverage, and how to hold your elected officials accountable for their failure to tackle the Marcellus Shale gas drilling issue. And, you'll get to meet more people working on these issues so you can band together to protect your community.

You can register online here.

Nov 15: Occupy DUG East

2011-11-15T19:02:00.000-05:00

On November 15th, Halliburton is hosting a reception for the rest of the oil and gas industry to kick off the Developing Unconventional Gas conference. At 5:15pm, we will march from Occupy Pittsburgh to the David Lawrence Convention Center and kick off our occupation of the conference with a people’s reception for economic and environmental justice.

The gas industry is poisoning our air and water and hijacking our so-called democracy. They say they are bringing economic opportunity but all we see is exploitation. Stand with us to resist corporate power - join the people’s reception or organize your own creative action to disrupt the conference!

In the spirit of movements across the country against corporate power, local organizers, activists, and occupiers are calling for an occupation of the Developing Unconventional Gas conference in Pittsburgh.

Tuesday at 5:15pm - March on the conference, meet at Occupy Pittsburgh/Mellon Green

6:00pm - People’s Reception and Occupation begins, David Lawrence Convention Center

(Sign-making and flash mob practice on Friday, November 11 at 7pm at the T-station at 6th St. and Ross Ave, below Occupy Pittsburgh)

And as always, check out Marcellus Protest's own event calendar; Maren doesn't always get a chance to post events as soon as they do.

Nov 14: Marcellus Q&A at JCC

2011-11-14T18:57:00.001-05:00

The most experts on this critical issue -- at one place, at your pace. Meet them one-on-one. Ask hard questions. Get informed answers.

Drop by for 15 minutes, or stay for all 3 hours. Experts will be at seven stations, ready for one-on-one or small-group interaction.

Featuring experts from Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc., Clean Water Action, EQT Corp., League of Women Voters, PA Environmental Council, Penn State Cooperative Extension, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Pipeline, Pitt's School of Public Health, Pitt's Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, and many others. RSVP to Nancy Hruska at 412-992-5233 or nhruska@jfedpgh.org .

6-9 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center in Squirrel Hill. Refreshments will be served.

Nov 14: Marcellus theatre arts talk at CMU

2011-11-14T16:29:00.001-05:00

CENTER FOR THE ARTS IN SOCIETY"Shale Play: Our Brains on Frack": Theatre Artists Tackle Marcellus Shale

Anne Justine D’Zmura, Department ofTheatre Arts, California State University Long Beach

How do we as artists and educators move ourselves, our students and our community members out of ecological complacency into a state of shared awareness, concern and, ultimately, action? Currently in residence with the Drama School, Anne D’Zmura is leading a group of CMU students through a theatre devising process exploring the political/social/economic and environmental ramifications of the Marcellus Shale drilling in our community. D’Zmura will discuss her past work in the field of ecodrama and the current CMU workshop project “Shale Play: Our Brains on Frack”.
http://www.cmu.edu/cas/events/fall2011/nov-14-2011.html

4:30 pm in Adamson Wing, Baker Hall 136A at CMU

Nov 10-12: Benefit Braddock concert series

2011-11-10T09:29:00.000-05:00

Benefit Braddock: A Concert Series in Support of Braddock Pennsylvania

The Levi’s Benefit Braddock three-day concert series features performances from a virtual dean’s list of the 2011 indie rock scene. The event is more than just a series of shows, however… Proceeds from ticket sales will support the community-based projects in nearby Braddock, tripled by a contribution from Levi’s!

Here's the lineup for the three-day event:

Thursday, Nov. 10 - Andrew Bird w/ Kurt Vile & The Violators
Friday, Nov. 11 - Built to Spill w/ Atlas Sound (Bradford Cox of Deerhunter)
Saturday, Nov. 12 - The Hold Steady w/ Titus Andronicus

The Thursday night show has already sold out, but a handful of tickets still remain for Friday and Saturday. Purchase tickets and support the renewal of the Braddock community here.

Nov 9: ALCOSAN Town Hall meeting

2011-11-09T08:30:00.003-05:00

The largest public works project our area has ever seen is on the way -- a massive, multi-billion-dollar effort to get our waterways in compliance with federal standards, so that raw sewage doesn't go into the rivers every time it rains. How much green infrastructure is included? How much will it cost, and how many jobs might be created in the process? Hear ALCOSAN's proposal, and let them know what you think. Help make sure that the plan to fix our aging sewer system is the best plan for our communities!

The Clean Rivers Campaign is an education program designed to raise citizen awareness about the issues of stormwater runoff and sewage overflows in Allegheny County.

5:30-7:30 p.m. at the IBEW Hall's Circuit Center & Ballroom, 5 Hot Metal Street, Pittsburgh 15203. The meeting is free and open to the public, and refreshments will be provided. More information here.

Nov 8: Election day!

2011-11-08T07:47:00.000-05:00

Today is the day -- yes, it's an "off" year, but one of the most important things you can do today is to get out and exercise your right to vote. Help a friend or neighbor vote, by offering to look after kids, or give a ride to the polls.

Some good progressive candidates to support include Kathryn Boockvar (for Commonwealth Court), David Wecht (for PA Superior Court), and both Alex Bickett and Mike Marmo (county Court of Common Pleas). Since both major candidates for Allegheny County Executive want to frack the living daylights out of any land they might control, there is a write-in campaign for energetic fractivist Dana Dolney. I'm not sure how close the race will be, so such a vote might be more than symbolic -- but we do need to get the message across that Marcellus (and Utica) shale gas extraction can far more damaging than its value as a revenue source. Another campaign has been set up to write in Jordan Miles for District Attorney (to express dissatisfaction with Steven Zappala's handling of the Miles case).

Nov 1: Backyard composting workshop

2011-11-01T14:31:00.000-04:00

You can turn all of your non-meat food scraps, your autumn leaves, your grass clippings, yard and garden waste, your newspapers, even some of your cardboard waste into high-quality compost! This is a rich soil conditioner that will improve the health and productivity of your lawn, trees, shrubs, flowers, veggies and house plants.

It’s easy to do, once you learn some basic rules, and have the right bin. And it’s a great way to re-connect with Nature, give something back, in a very direct way.

Pennsylvania Resources Council has been presenting these workshops for over a decade now. Over 15,000 households have gained solid instruction, quality bins and inspiration to do it themselves.

The workshop thoroughly covers the importance of composting, setting up a compost pile, proper maintenance, troubleshooting and some good ways of using finished compost. Participants will receive an Earth Machine Compost Bin with attendance. Approved across the state as an ideal bin for urban and suburban areas, it has an eighty-gallon capacity (big enough for even the largest household). If not abused, it can last for many years.

6:30-8 p.m. at the East End Food Co-op. $50 per adult, $55 per couple (this can be a relative, friend or neighbor, if you share a single bin); free for children <18 with an adult -- this is a great project to share with your kids! Register Online at http://www.zerowastepgh.org/ or by phone: 412-488-7490 x236

Oct 29: Pittsburgh Solar Tour

2011-10-29T22:35:00.000-04:00

Three Rivers Solar Source (a project of PennFuture) is your host on this self-guided open-house tour of homes that use solar energy. You will find many such homes in Pittsburgh and surrounding communities. All of the owners of these homes have graciously invited you to stop by, see, learn, and ask questions about their solar installations.

Your trusty blogger Maren's own house (where a new photovoltaic system is being installed in amongst a roof garden) is one of the homes on the tour.

It is exciting that so many solar homeowners want to show off their installations. We are also excited that so many of these systems were installed by Pittsburgh's and western Pennsylvania's own solar energy businesses. We know they'll love to show off their handiwork!

Some homeowners might take you on a tour of the other features that make their home more environmentally friendly (in Maren's little permaculture oasis, there is rainwater harvesting and stormwater diversion using a rain garden, pond, and rain barrels; organic vegetable, herb, and fruit production; shiitake mushroom cultivation; composting; and a renovation/addition utilizing local wood and stone as well as recycled, reused, and salvage materials and passive solar design). Some might answer questions and show the components of their system from their front yard -- it's up to the individual host.

The site hosts will be at their homes to greet visitors between noon and 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 29. There's no need to register; just choose a few locations you want to visit and stop on by! Use the map and online PDF guide at www.pghsolartour.org to plan your tour.

Oct 21: Have a Ball with GASP

2011-10-21T02:31:00.000-04:00

Friday, October 21, GASP has the Highmark SportsWorks at the Carnegie Science Center all to ourselves. Come join us from 6 to 9 PM and run, bounce, spin, and climb on nearly 30 hands-on exhibits. SportsWorks has activities suited for all ages. Think baseball looks easy? Have your fastball clocked and see if you can get it in the strike zone. Try climbing to the top of the 25′ climbing wall, or strapping in to the bungee cords and turn yourself into a yo-yo.

Grab some delicious hors d’ oeuvres or a mixed rink, and join us in the conference room to hear from athletes from the Pittsburgh Passion, the Steel City Derby Demons, and USRowing, as well as local health professionals, to hear how air quality affects athletic performance.

End the night by munching on desserts and claiming the silent auction prizes that you bid on.

Our annual fall event is a fundraiser, but it is also a great way to reconnect with staff or members, and to learn about GASP’s recent work and plans for the future.

6-9 p.m. at the Highmark SportsWorks at the Carnegie Science Center. Tickets are $50/person ($25 for ages 6-12, free for 5 and under). Purchase tickets online, or pay by check or credit card by calling GASP at (412) 325-7382. Parking at the SportsWorks is available for $5.

Oct 18: Marcellus forum in Center Twp

2011-10-18T19:30:00.000-04:00

What does Marcellus shale natural gas development mean for Center Township?

You are invited to attend an open informational meeting featuring local farmers and landowners who will share their personal stories about what it’s really like to live with hydraulic fracturing in rural Western Pennsylvania and a screening of a short documentary filmed in Bradford, PA, followed by a community discussion: What choice do we have?

Get the whole story before you decide: Is fracking right for Center Township?

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm at the Ghost Riders 2 Dance Hall, 1805 N Main St Ext in Center Township. Free to the public and everyone is welcome; refreshments will be provided. Center Township residents are especially encouraged to attend.

Presented by: Preservation Advocates for Center Township (PACT). For more information, email 2011PACT@Gmail.com

Oct 18: Immigration discussion with County candidates

2011-10-18T07:06:00.005-04:00

Looking Forward to Immigration (with Rich and Raja)

Pittsburgh is less diverse than 98 out of 100 of the largest metropolitan areas in the United States, according to the 2010 census - "whiter even than the Amish country around Lancaster, the Mormon population center of Salt Lake City, Midwest agrarian capitals such as Des Moines, Iowa, and far more isolated places like Boise, Idaho," says Gary Rotstein of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "How does a region built on immigration, albeit from previous centuries, come to have in 2011 such a small share of people of color?"

On October 18, cityLIVE! and Vibrant Pittsburgh will host a conversation between candidates D. Raja, Rich Fitzgerald and you, the audience, on the status of foreign born talent and diversity in the region. Economic development is at the heart of this discussion. For instance, 25 percent of U.S. business owners in the technology and engineering sector are foreign born, as are the owners of 24 percent of patent applications filed. Moderated by Melanie Harrington, CEO of Vibrant Pittsburgh, we will hear how our future leaders plan to tackle these issues in their future role as Allegheny County Executive.

This is an important conversation. Be there, or be really square.

6:30 p.m. at the New Hazlett Theater. CLICK TO RSVP

Oct 15: Occupy Pittsburgh begins

2011-10-15T21:32:00.000-04:00

The Movement Begins: OccupyPittsburgh Day of Action
Rally begins at 11 a.m. at Freedom Corner (Crawford Street and Center Avenue in the Hill District); arrive as early as 10 a.m.
March from Freedom Corner to Market Square: 11:45 a.m.
Movement Kickoff Rally 1:30 - 3 p.m. Market Square
Occupation of Pittsburgh begins at 4 p.m. Mellon Green, Grant St. & Sixth Ave.

Occupy's website: http://www.occupypittsburgh.org/

Oct 15: Marcellus health seminar in Canonsburg

2011-10-15T16:35:00.000-04:00

Peters Township Marcellus Shale Awareness presents a Marcellus Shale Health and Educational Seminar

Program:

Health Impacts of Unconventional Gas Drilling Dr. Poune' Saberi is participating in the Occupational
and Environmental Medicine Program at the University of Pennsylvania. She
is also a clinician at B.L. Johnson Sayre Health Center and faculty member
of the Family Medicine and Community Health Department. Her passion is
learning and teaching about the effects of environmental factors and
toxicology on personal health. She is currently undertaking a study at the
Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology about the health impacts
of unconventional natural gas drilling in Pennsylvania.

Marcellus Shale and Pipeline Infrastructure: What You Need to Know and Why
Lynda Farrell, Executive Director of Pipeline Safety Coalition, a
non-profit formed as a clearinghouse for factual unbiased information to
increase public awareness and participation in pipeline safety issues.
Lynda and four of her neighbors were successful in fending off eminent
domain in a landmark Federal Court decision to protect their land, steep
slopes and the historic Brandywine Creek. Lynda Farrell for over a decade
has combined her diverse background in education, finance, marketing and
farming to provide environmental/agricultural consulting and grant
writing.

Unconventional Natural Gas Extraction in Energy Production Landscapes:
Interactions Among Historical and Contemporary Processes
Dan Bain, Ph.D., Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh,
Department of Geology and Planetary Science will relate how the
unconventional extraction of natural gas from the Marcellus Shale
Formation is a recent but rapidly growing activity in Pennsylvania that
depends on relatively recent technological advances and that our ability
to evaluate risks is hindered by limited experience in how production
activities effect the landscape. In particular, areas in southwestern
Pennsylvania which have undergone earlier periods of historical coal
mining, introducing a relatively distinct set of shallow groundwater and
geochemical conditions. Incorporating such differences into our
conceptual management frameworks is essential to successful evaluation of
risk in decision making processes.

Health and Safety Considerations of the Marcellus Shale Production Process
Jill Kriesky, Ph.D., is the Senior Project Coordinator for the Center for
Healthy Environments and Communities and an affiliate in the Graduate
School of Public Health at the University of Pittsburgh. She will address
the health and safety concerns at all stages of unconventional natural gas
drilling. The Center for Healthy Environments and Communities has a
community-based approach to analyze social, economic, political, policy,
behaviors and geographical variables associated with environmental issues.

Professional Experiences in Health Care Relating to Workers and Patients
Registered nurses caring for injuries and illnesses related to natural gas
drilling will provide insight into concerns and safety issues as they
relate to their first hand experiences in their profession.

Duquesne University PresentationsDuquesne University Students of the class of Philosophy of Technology in
order to complete their service learning requirement will do two power
point presentations: What Constitutes Good Scientific Research with an
Examination of Problems and Conflicts of Interests Among Researchers and
Pennsylvania's Clean and Green Concerning the Impact of going from
Agricultural to Industrial.

Various environmental groups and health organizations will be present to
distribute information to the public.

Visit our website to register for door prizes www.ptmsa.com

9:30 AM What Constitutes Good Scientific Research – Duquesne University
Students
10:00 AM Health Impacts of Unconventional Gas Drilling – Poune’ Saberi,
M.D., University of Pennsylvania
11:00 AM Marcellus Shale and Pipeline Infrastructure – Lynda Farrell,
Executive Director, Pipeline Safety Coalition
12:00 AM PA’s Clean and Green, Going from Agricultural to Industrial –
Duquesne University Students
12:30 PM Natural Gas Extraction in Energy Production Landscapes – Dan
Bain, Ph.D. Geologist, U. of Pittsburgh
1:00 PM   Health and Safety Issues of the Mar.Shale Production Process –
Jill Kriesky, Ph.D. University of Pgh. GSPH
1:30 PM   Professional Experiences in Health Care Relating to Workers and
Patients – Registered Nurses

9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the ballroom area of the Hilton Garden Inn - Southpointe (1000 Corporate Drive, Canonsburg, PA 15317; use Exit 48 off of I -79;  (724) 743-5000). Door Prize Registration at 9:30 AM

Oct 13-15: Convergence for Social Justice

2011-10-13T10:28:00.002-04:00

For the first time ever, hundreds of grassroots organizations, groups, and individuals—spanning across 10 counties in Southwestern Pennsylvania—will come together to participate in a major convergence to advance social justice in the region. The Three Rivers Community Foundation, in concert with other progressive grantmakers and organizations in Southwestern Pennsylvania, are proud to present:

Building Change: A Convergence for Social Justice

Highlights:

Renowned Keynote Speaker Winona LaDuke

Development of a five-year Action Plan for Building Social Justice for the region

Five-day, multi-venue Building Change Film Festival

Major Youth Leadership Event for 350 Young People (October 13)

7 Pathways to Change Art Show

Regional Champions of Change Awards Presentation and Ceremony

Three Rivers Community Foundation Grantee Recognition Event

Eclectic Mix of Entertainment

Internship Fair

Additional activities include skill-building workshops, panel discussions, roundtable discussions, keynote speakers, and plenary sessions on a wide range of issues such as Disability Rights, Economic Empowerment, Environmental Sustainability, LGBTQ Advocacy, Peace/Human Rights, Racial Equity, and Women, Youth and Families Rights.

This event presents many opportunities for networking and involvement, including tabling, sponsorship, presenting, serving on a discussion panel, and participating in relevant workshops and skill building sessions.

October 13-15, 2011 at the Senator John Heinz Regional History Center. Please spread the word to organizations and individuals working for social change. For more information and to register for the Convergence, visit www.buildingchangewpa.org, email trcf@trcfwpa.org, or call 412-243-9250. There are still opportunities to table and put an ad in the program book. Join the buzz on Facebook by clicking here.

Oct 8: Marcellus protest at Marburger dairy farm

2011-10-08T10:11:00.000-04:00

Keep fracking chemicals out of our milk, food and schools!

Join Marcellus Outreach Butler and concerned PA citizens in opposing Exxon Mobil’s fracking operations on Marburger Dairy Farmland. Marburger Farm Dairy ("Quality in a Bottle") supplies local grocery stores and nearly 700 schools with milk and dairy products from the cows exposed to their new fracking operation. If you believe our food supply and quality of life is more important than money and gas, come on out!

A rally will be held at the well pad on Marburger Property, Mars-Evans City Rd., approximately 1 mile out of Evans City. Come early, park in Evans City, and join us at EDCO Park in Evans City between 10:00 and 10:30am to march or be carpooled to the site for a protest rally from 11:30-12:30. Note that no water or restrooms will be available, and if you come directly to the dairy be sure to leave roadsides in front of the well site clear for rally. Following the rally at the well site, we will return to EDCO Park for a follow-up rally from 1 to 3 p.m. (pack a picnic lunch!). Speakers and educational sessions TBA.

Oct 8: Jobs rally, resource, and unity fair

2011-10-08T08:22:00.000-04:00

WHAT DO WE WANT? JOBS! WHEN DO WE WANT 'EM? NOW!

Come one and all to the PA Wants to Work; Jobs Now! Rally, Resource and Unity Fair.

Join us at this dynamic community event for the whole family, kicking off at noon with speakers and live music featuring Pittsburgh's own Mike Stout.

This event kicks off the national week of action for jobs and unity with America's unemployed, laid-off and underemployed workers. This is the time to come together, get fired up, and demand immediate action from Congress to put America back to work.

Terry Miale, who lost her job when the whole company was outsourced, is our keynote speaker. She will tell the story of her journey from loss, despair and disillusionment to becoming a fighter for struggling workers and the American Dream for all.

There's power in community and our strength is in unity.

12 noon to 3:30 p.m., with lunch served at 1:30. Fall fun, crafts and books for the kids, and a free raffle for a Steelers basket.Spread the word; you can also share this event on facebook. Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers Hall, 10 South 19th St. Southside of Pgh, 15203.

These agencies will be on hand: Operating Engineers Apprenticeship Program, Alliance for American Manufacturing, World Class Industrial Networks, Veterans Vocational Services, PA Health Access Network, We Are One Coalition, United Way, Just Harvest, OnePittsburgh, Carnegie Library, North Hills Community Outreach, Reading is FUNdamental, Family Foundations, Pgh Black Nurses in Action, Greater Pittsburgh Community Foodbank, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Goodwill, Working America, Guerilla Eye Services - Univ Of Pgh Dept of Opthalmology, ActionUnited, Rebuilding the Dream, Allegheny County Health Dept Mobile Unit, and more.

Oct 3: Pgh Food Bank at Sustainable Monroeville

2011-10-03T17:22:00.000-04:00

Hunger and food access affects one in every seven people in the United States, a total of 14.5% of households. Fresh produce is often the hardest item for families to obtain and purchase. At the same time 12% of produce goes unharvested due to the cost of labor, market price of produce and other factors. Kerri LaCharite, Produce Specialist at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank will speak about local and urban agriculture initiatives and volunteer opportunities in South Western Pennsylvania.

7-8 p.m. in the downstairs program room of the Monroville Public Library, followed by a walk around the new USDA People's Garden. More info on the Food Bank at http://www.pittsburghfoodbank.org/ and on Sustainable Monroeville at

www.sustainablemonroeville.com . You can also join Sustainable Monroeville and Schwartz Market on Facebook!

Oct 1: Backyard composting workshop

2011-10-01T14:29:00.000-04:00

You can turn all of your non-meat food scraps, your autumn leaves, your grass clippings, yard and garden waste, your newspapers, evensome of your cardboard waste intohigh-qualitycompost! This is a rich soilconditioner that will improve the health and productivity of your lawn, trees,shrubs, flowers, veggies and house plants.

It’s easy to do, once youlearn some basic rules, and have the right bin. And it’s a great way tore-connect with Nature, give something back, in a very direct way.

Pennsylvania ResourcesCouncil has been presenting theseworkshops for over a decade now. Over 15,000 households have gained solidinstruction, quality bins and inspiration to do it themselves.

Theworkshop thoroughly covers the importance of composting, setting up a compostpile, proper maintenance, troubleshooting and some good ways of using finishedcompost. Participants will receivean EarthMachine Compost Bin with attendance. Approved across the state as anideal bin for urban and suburban areas, it has an eighty-gallon capacity (bigenough for even the largest household). If not abused, it can last for many years.

10 a.m. to 12 noon at the Frick Environmental Center on Beechwood Boulevard (near Forbes Ave.). $50 per adult, $55 per couple (this can be a relative, friend orneighbor, if you share a single bin); children <18 w/adult come for free -- this is a great project to share with your kids! Register Online at http://www.zerowastepgh.org/ or by phone: 412-488-7490 x236

Oct 1: Rachel's Sustainable Feast

2011-10-01T09:17:00.000-04:00

Join the Rachel Carson Homestead for the fifth annual Sustainable Feast! The Feast will showcase sustainable and locally-sourced dishes prepared by Southwestern Pennsylvania’s most popular and talented chefs from restaurants such as Six Penn Kitchen, Avenue B, Tin Front Café, Park Bruges, Red Oak Café, Quiet Storm, Oh Yeah!, LEVY Restaurants, and many more! In addition to mouth-watering cuisine, the event will also feature music, a farmers' market, eco-friendly crafters, artisans and businesses, and politicians and advocacy groups who work to protect our land, water and air.

Dr. Will Clower, food and health guru and author of The French Don't Diet, will speak about sustainability and healthy eating while he hands out chocolate to the crowd. There will be games and family-friendly activities for all to enjoy.

2-6 p.m. at the Springdale High School, just down the hill from Rachel Carson's childhood home. Tickets are available now. Get yours today before they sell out! Attend the Feast

Oct 1: Furnish for Free!

2011-10-01T08:18:00.000-04:00

Who's Your Brother is holding an event that you won't want to miss!

Furnish for Free, our first Community Event, is all about collecting re-usable furnishings, like: furniture, kitchenware, electronics, clothing, and basically anything that furnishes people and their homes. Our purpose is to keep good quality, re-usable goods OUT of the trash and into the hands of people who need them! We will display our collection on the first floor of a giant warehouse located at 201 N. Braddock, 15208, in the Point Breeze section of Pittsburgh (across from the East End Food Co-op), and open it up to the public on Saturday, October 1st. All attendees will have an opportunity to acquire what they need or want either for FREE or for a small donation of $5-10(plus?), whatever they can afford. We ask only that you become a member of Who's Your Brother, if you are not one already. Tell your friends and neighbors and let's have some fun! You can also find the event on Facebook here.

9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at 201 N. Braddock Avenue, 15208, across from East End Food Co-op.

Sep 30: Furnish for Free: Last day to donate

2011-09-30T08:15:00.002-04:00

Wait! Don't throw out that piece of furniture! If you have trouble giving away something for free, or you have some things that may end up on the curb to fill our landfills, please know that we at Who's Your Brother will be collecting all manner of furnishings (furniture, clothing, electronics, kitchenware, etc.) for an event called Furnish for Free, where the public will be invited to come and choose what they need on Saturday, October 1. If the attendees/recipients have no money, the stuff will be free. If they can afford to make a donation of $5-10 (plus?), that will help to cover the overhead involved in holding this event. We will be collecting things on Friday September 30th from 2-7pm at 201 N. Braddock, 15208. There is a loading dock on the Thomas Blvd side of the building, and we will be there to help you unload - follow the signs. Please contact us at: FurnishforFree@gmail.com if you cannot bring the items to our location, and we will do our best to send someone to pick it/them up. Please only offer things that are in good condition and re-usable!!! Please note: We are limiting this to donations from areas within a 10-mile range of the East End, but will hopefully hold future events in other areas around Pittsburgh, depending on the success of this first Furnish for Free. Join us, and let's put to use what is perfectly good and keep it out of our landfills! The event also has a Facebook page.

Sep 29: Green Drinks with GASP

2011-09-29T02:23:00.000-04:00

Learn about GASP's four decades of work on air quality in Southwestern Pennsylvania at this month's Green Drinks. Meet a local fresh air hero: Rachel Filippini, Executive Director, Group Against Smog and Pollution (GASP). Rachel has been with GASP since 2004 and under her leadership, the 41 year old organization has been a fierce advocate for air quality in Pittsburgh. Ms. Filippini has succeeded in spearheading Allegheny County air quality legislation, and under her leadership, GASP has developed a comprehensive diesel campaign. She serves as the chair of the Allegheny County Air Quality Program Education Subcommittee and is on the Leadership Committee of the organization, Women for a Healthy Environment.

GASP, The Group Against Smog and Pollution was founded in 1969 by a group of 43 volunteers concerned about air quality issues in southwestern Pennsylvania. Over the years, GASP has maintained a continuous program to educate the public on questions of pollution and its remediation. Through public meetings, engagement with the press, educational events, permit reviews, and other means, GASP has worked tirelessly to explain and combat our air quality problems.

5-9 p.m. at Hofbrauhaus House on the South Side from 5pm-9pm on Thursday, September 29th. Hofbrauhaus House is located at 2705 Water St., Pittsburgh, 15203. Here's a Google map.

Sep 27: EPA Hearing on gas drilling air pollution and demonstration

2011-09-27T14:58:00.000-04:00

Hundreds to demand reductions in air pollution from oil & natural gas Pittsburgh to Host One of Three Public Hearings Nationally
on Proposed Federal Standards for Polluting Industries

WHAT: On Tuesday, September 27, hundreds of community members, medical professionals, and concerned citizens will gather in downtown Pittsburgh for a press conference regarding a public hearing with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), on proposed federal standards to reduce harmful air pollution from the oil and natural gas industry. The EPA’s “new source performance standards” would protect millions from toxic air pollutants emitted by the dirty industry.

EPA’s proposed rule is the first-ever federal safeguard aimed at cutting harmful air pollution from hydraulic fracturing. Hundreds of supporters of this rule will give testimony on its importance for the protection of public health, the environment and the community.

WHERE: The David L Lawrence Convention Center Room 315-316, 1000 Ft. Duquesne Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA

WHEN: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2011
9am-8pm: EPA Public Hearing. Scheduled breaks at 12:30pm-2:00pm and 5:00pm-6:30pm
12:30 pm: Press conference in room 317 of the David L Lawrence Convention Center
1:30 pm: Clean Air March outside of David L Lawrence Convention Center

WHO: (speakers at press conference)

Jeff Schmidt, Director Sierra Club Pennsylvania Chapter
Jay Duffy, Clean Air Council
Steve Hvozdovich, Clean Water Action
Pam Judy, Greene County resident
Erika Staaf, Penn Environment
David McCabe, Atmospheric Scientist, Clean Air Task Force
Jamin Bogi, Group Against Smog and Pollution
Janet McIntyre, West Virginia Resident
Bridget Coyne, Westmoreland County Resident
Katherine Luke, Pittsburgh Student Environmental Coalition

Sep 27: Burgh Bees meetup

2011-09-27T11:44:00.000-04:00

Come meet local beekeepers, whether you're a seasoned beekeeper, a new beekeeper, or just bee-curious! Share stories and a few drinks in the mezzanine. No RSVP required. For more information on Burgh Bees, check out the web site.

7 p.m. at the Carson City Saloon on the Southside: 1401 East Carson St..

Sep 27: MoveOn rally about election rigging

2011-09-27T08:45:00.000-04:00

Echoing an action that started Wed 9-21-11 in West Chester outside of Pa Sen Pileggi's office in protest Pileggri's proposal to change how electoral votes are awarded in Pennsylvania, Greater Pittsburgh MoveOn is hosting a rapid response rally outside of Gov. Tom Corbett's office at 301 Fifth Ave. in the Piatt Place Building downtown Pittsburgh.

The plan put forward by Sen. Pileggi is shameless ELECTION RIGGING. Monkeying around with PA voters‚ ability to elect a president less than 14 months before the election is a bald-faced and shameful attempt to RIG THE ELECTION. Even right-wing political pundits are condemning Pileggi's plan, calling it "nakedly partisan" and "so transparently political that it would surely do lasting damage to the GOP not only in PA but nationwide." [The Weekly Standard]

Please lend your voice and energy to this critical action. Sign up Event URL: http://pol.moveon.org/event/buffetrule/121642

Action United's protest outside of Sen. Pileggi's Chester office took place Wed 9-21-11. About a dozen people participated over the course of the hour-long protest, which included street theater and signs, and the event was covered by the Delaware County Daily Times. The Delco Times also published a scathing editorial yesterday, and Action United has posted a YouTube video.

Sep 24-25: Mother Earth News Fair

2011-09-24T17:22:00.000-04:00

Bringing the magazine to life: the second Mother Earth News Fair at Seven Springs!

MOTHER EARTH NEWS magazine has been helping folks live self-reliant, sustainable, meaningful lives for more than 40 years. With an audience of more than 3 million readers worldwide, it is the largest and longest-running environmental lifestyle magazine on the planet.
The MOTHER EARTH NEWS FAIRS are fun-filled, family-oriented sustainable lifestyle events that feature dozens of practical, hands-on demonstrations and workshops from the leading authorities on: Renewable Energy, Small-scale Agriculture, Gardening, Green Building, Green Transportation and Natural Health.

In between sessions, you can enjoy an array of entertainment options, organic local food and beverages, as well as outdoor gardening and livestock demonstrations. Plus, save on great deals from dozens of regional and national vendors that feature sustainable lifestyle products and services, including: books, tools, seeds, crafts, organic foods, clothes, solar gadgets and more! Check out our list of speakers and workshops.

The inaugural Fair was held in September 2010 at the beautiful Seven Springs Mountain Resort southeast of Pittsburgh. More than 9,000 people participated in nearly 200 workshops, countless demonstrations on cheese making, beekeeping, building electric and wood-burning cars, seed saving, preserving and pickling, bread baking, meat processing, choosing solar power ... the list goes on and on. Click here for testimonials from our exhibitors, sponsors and fair attendees!

Check out our YouTube video channel and the MOTHER EARTH NEWS FAIR Blog. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for real time updates, special contests, and promotions

Our second FAIR of the year will be held in Seven Springs, Pa., Sept. 24-25, 2011, at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. Nestled in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania and located within 200 miles of the major metropolitan areas of Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Cleveland and Washington, D.C., Seven Springs is a full-service resort featuring a complete conference and exhibit center, a 418-room hotel and nearly 1,200 condominiums and townhomes.

Lots more information athttp://www.motherearthnews.com/fair
http://www.prweb.com/releases/green-living-fair-offers/unique-hands-on-classes/prweb8783662.htm
http://www.ogdenpubs.com/uploadedFiles/Media_Library/2010/MEN/MISC/schedule.pdf

Sept 24-25: Healthy Women's Expo

2011-09-24T10:50:00.001-04:00

Pathways to SmartCare Healthy Women's Expo

Cooking Demonstrations, Family Health Talks, Fitness & Physical Activity, Kid's Activities, Stress Management, Prevention and Financial Planning. Visit our website to see a list of speakers and exhibitors.

10 am - 4 pm at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Downtown Pittsburgh You can download a registration form or register online. Tickets are $10 if you register by September 1. Group ticket sales are available.

Sampling of Activities/Demos/Speakers

Labyrinth Facilitation with Dorit Brauer - check out her new meditation!
Meeting Ourselves on Our Mat, Kristi Rogers, RYT, BYS Yoga
Medicare 101: The Basics, Erin Hart, American HealthCare Group
The Top Ten Ways for Women to Stay Healthy, Priscilla Hagan, The Midwife Center for Birth & Women's Health
Investment Strategies, Carrie Coghill, CFP, AIF Coghill Investment Strategies
Plants not Pills: Proven Ways to Fight Cancer With The Food You Love, Leah Lizarondo Shannon, The Cancer Project
Mind Matters: Taming the Voice of Sabotage, Deborah Barr, Holistic Health and Nutrition Counselor
Fall Harvest: Quick/Easy Recipes for Seasonal Foods, Lisa Ferguson, Fabled Table
Venture Outdoors Climbing Wall
photo courtesy of Venture Outdoors

Exhibitor information can be downloaded here.

For more information, contact Erin at (412)657-3028 or ehart@american-healthcare.net.

Sep 21: Second screening of YERT film

2011-09-21T18:22:00.000-04:00

The Pittsburgh premiere of YERT is filled to capacity! If that's the only day you can attend, go ahead and fill out a wait list request at http://yertreservation.questionpro.com . Also, if you are holding a reservation but find that you cannot go, please email Mark so that your seat can go to someone on the waiting list! Your cancellation will help pack the house to the brim.

To make the most of the overwhelming enthusiasm building around the Premiere, we have also secured an "Overflow Screening" venue for the next evening, Wednesday, Sept. 21, at the theater in the Homewood Library. It comfortably seats 300 in a great space - now you can tell your friends and family to go see the show without worrying about whether they'll get a seat! Here are the details for the Overflow Screening...

Doors open at 6:30pm, screening from 7:00pm - 9:00pm (followed by Q&A with Mark) in the Theater at Homewood Library, 7101 Hamilton Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15208. Reservations are strongly encouraged. Please fill out the form at http://yertreservation.questionpro.com/ .

Sep 21: International Day of Peace

2011-09-21T02:20:00.004-04:00

24 Hour Peace Vigil

(September 20 - September 21)
From midnight Tuesday to midnight Wednesday, St. Benedict the Moor church will have its doors open to individuals, families, and groups who would like to observe the interfaith peace vigil through prayer, meditation, or peaceful contemplation.

***Please join members of the P.G.H. community Tuesday night for a Midnight Meditation. From 12:01 - 2:00 AM at St. Benedict the Moor Church, we will be opening the 24 hours of peace with meditation followed by music and drumming. Please bring crystals, incense, candles, drums, and other sacred items as we create a powerful surge of energy to set the stage for the events that will follow the next day. Our presence and intention can truly make an impact; starting in our own community and spreading like a wave throughout the world.

Rally Against Violence and Gathering of Hands at City- County Building

On Wednesday September 21st, there will be a noon-time Rally Against Violence and Gathering of Hands on the steps of the City-County building on Grant street. This will include reading names and lighting candles in remembrance of the victims of violence in Pittsburgh as well as messages from friends and families. Following the reading will be a Gathering of Hands to strengthen our committment to change. Right in the heart of our city, this will be an important opportunity for people to take a moment from their busy day to observe the effects of violence. The more people who attend, the more powerful the message, so spread the word!

Blessing of the Peace Pole

At St. Benedict the Moor Church and Freedom Corner, beginning on Wednesday at 7:00 PM, there will be a blessing of a Peace Pole inscribed with the universal invocation, "May Peace Prevail on Earth" in 8 languages followed by an international flag ceremony with 196 flags. This is will be followed by a multi-faith prayer service, and readings from the Poets for Peace at 8:30.

Click Here for a map and directions to St. Benedict the Moor Church

Sep 20: Pgh premiere of YERT film!!

2011-09-20T16:21:00.000-04:00

“Your Environmental Road Trip (YERT),” an award-winning documentary from Pittsburgh film maker Mark Dixon and Louisville’s Ben Evans, will have its Pittsburgh premiere on Tuesday, September 20 at 7 p.m. at the Eddy Theater at Chatham University. The screening will be followed by a discussion with the filmmakers.

YERT: Your Environmental Road Trip celebrates the American spirit in the face of adversity, and is a unique docu-comedy profiling the courageous and creative individuals, groups, businesses and leaders of this country who are tackling the greatest environmental threats in history. It features the travels of Mark Dixon, Ben Evans, and Julie Evans as they covered 50 states in one year and virtually every environmental issue coast to coast. With a blend of humor and depth, the film features such luminaries as Bill McKibben, Deepak Chopra, and members of Congress – as well as ordinary citizens from all walks of life.Inspired by the legacy of hometown environmental hero Rachel Carson, YERT’s adventure launched from the Rachel Carson Homestead just outside of Pittsburgh on July 4, 2007. One year later, Mark, Ben, and Julie (and their new baby Bailey), were joined by supporters for a homecoming party at the Rachel Carson Homestead.The September 20 screening is hosted by the Rachel Carson Institute in the School of Sustainability and the Environment at Chatham University. Sponsors include Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future (PennFuture) and its Black and Gold City Goes Green, Three Rivers Solar Source, and Breathe Easy, Stay Healthy campaigns. Additional sponsors include Tree Pittsburgh, the Allegheny Group of the Sierra Club, the Green Building Alliance, Venture Outdoors, Transition Pittsburgh, 3RiversBioneers, Evolver, Grow Pittsburgh, Sust-Enable, Peaceful Gathering of Hands (P.G.H.), and the Pittsburgh Student Environmental Coalition (PSEC). Parkhurst Dining Services will be providing complimentary light refreshments. Clips and more information about the film are available at YERT.com.

Pittsburgh Premiere on Sep 20: 7 p.m. at Chatham University's Eddy Theatre. Tickets to the screening are limited, and a donation is requested.

UPDATE:

The Pittsburgh premiere of YERT is filled to capacity! If that's the only day you can attend, go ahead and fill out a wait list request at http://yertreservation.questionpro.com . Also, if you are holding a reservation but find that you cannot go, please email Mark so that your seat can go to someone on the waiting list! Your cancellation will help pack the house to the brim.

To make the most of the overwhelming enthusiasm building around the Premiere, we have also secured an "Overflow Screening" venue for the next evening, Wednesday, Sept. 21, at the theater in the Homewood Library. It comfortably seats 300 in a great space - now you can tell your friends and family to go see the show without worrying about whether they'll get a seat! Here are the details for the Overflow Screening...

Sep 21 Overflow Screening: Doors open at 6:30pm, screening from 7:00pm - 9:00pm (followed by Q&A with Mark) in the Theater at Homewood Library, 7101 Hamilton Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15208. Reservations are strongly encouraged. Please fill out the form at http://yertreservation.questionpro.com/ .

Weekends in September: Shakespeare in the Parks

2011-09-03T08:33:00.003-04:00

Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks offers the comedy The Merry Wives of Windsor in Frick, Arsenal, and West Park/Allegheny Commons each weekend this September. The production uses the natural environs of each park in lieu of a set. Audience members are encouraged to bring a blanket, a chair, or stand as they follow the action around the park. All shows are free to the public.

PSIP’s productions have a contemporary, rough and tumble feel, and the actors favor a dynamic physicality that brings the text to life for the audience. The action roves about the parks; the conventional fourth wall is broken as the actors and audience share the playing space.

The Merry Wives of Windsor, one of Shakespeare’s lesser-known comedies, explores the themes of cuckoldry, jealousy, and schemes gone awry. Falstaff, the jolly knight known from the Henry IV plays, doubly woos Mistresses Page and Ford and is hilariously punished by the knowing women.

Director Tommy Costello, a PhD candidate at Pitt, doubles roles and experiments with cross-gender casting, creating a tightly-knit ensemble and delighting the audience. The costumes by Sarah Benedict suggest a southern-belle late 1800’s sensibility, and Music Director Ryan McMasters composes original music for the show.

Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks was started by Artistic Director Jennifer Tober in 2005 when she relocated from New York to Pittsburgh. “When I first moved here, with a lot of time on my hands, I spent a great deal of time in Frick Park, near the Blue Slide playground, and it struck me that the natural ‘amphitheatre’ at the bottom of the sledding hill was the perfect place to stage a show. Acting in outdoor Shakespeare companies is a huge part of my performance experience, and one of my favorite things in the world is doing, or watching, outdoor Shakespeare. Seven years later, we’ve expanded to 3 parks and offer Shakespeare to the public in a fresh way that many theatre-goers probably haven’t been exposed to before.”

The shows are free to the public with donations accepted. Pre-show activities include an abridged version of the play by Storyteller and PSIP Board Member Alan Irvine; there is an ASL interpreted performance for the hearing impaired, signed by Heather Gray, on Sunday September 18^th in Arsenal Park, Lawrenceville.

www.pittsburghshakespeare.com

September 3 and 4: Frick Park , Beechwood Blvd. and Nicholson St , Squirrel Hill (near Blue Slide Playground - NOT Regent Square).

September 10 and 11: West Park/Allegheny Commons, West North Ave & Brighton Rd, North Side

September 17 and 18: Arsenal Park , 39^th and Butler St , Lawrenceville

September 24 and 25: Frick Park , Beechwood Blvd. and Nicholson St , Squirrel Hill

All shows begin at 2 PM and are free to the public.

Providing the Steel City with free Shakespeare since 2005.

“Bring a loved one, a blanket, and a thermos.”

Sep 3: Peaceful Gathering potluck

2011-09-02T16:29:00.000-04:00

This Saturday there will be a followup potluck to reflect on the Second Peaceful Gathering of Hands and discuss how we can keep this momentum rolling. We are asking for all creative minds to come together to build on the energy created August 14th - Everyone with input is welcome!

Between brainstorming, and collaborating, we will be building friendships, eating awesome food, and getting down to some crunchy jams :) So make sure to bring a dish to share (and utensils to eat with), instruments, drums, toys, friends, fresh ideas, and anything else you can think of.

The potluck is from 3-7 at First United Methodist Church in Oakland (Corner of Centre and Aiken). Click Here for a map and directions.

Aug 14: 2nd Peaceful Gathering of Hands

2011-08-14T03:31:00.000-04:00

On Global Peace Day, a second Peaceful Gathering of Hands in Pittsburgh!
The Peaceful Gathering of Hands is a free and collaborative event to unite diverse groups and individuals who are working for a peaceful and healthy Pittsburgh and Planet. Every hour on the hour, a giant circle of hands will form. Bring instruments, outdoor games, food to share, items to share, a blanket or tent, eating implements, plus your talents and your visions
for Peace (open mic!). Groups are encouraged to bring their information for networking. At least 500 people attended the last event. Come join us!

2pm - 7pm at the Schenley Oval Meadow, next to the skating rink (1 Overlook Drive; best to approach from Blvd of the Allies exit).

Youtube Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsDBby2QOFI
Facebook Event (please invite friends) -
https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/event.php?eid=141362629280192

July 27: Deliberative theater on Marcellus

2011-07-27T10:22:00.002-04:00

Managing Marcellus: An Evening of Deliberative Theater and Democracy

While the Marcellus shale is recognized as one of the greatest economic opportunities for Pennsylvania, the drilling and processing of natural gas poses significant challenges and threats to local infrastructure, the environment, and public safety.

What is the best role for communities to play in safeguarding local assets and protecting the environment? Is anyone doing it right? Managing Marcellus is a unique opportunity to explore the critical concerns of the Marcellus Shale and the various ways in which local leaders have sought to support the development of the industry with these concerns in mind.

You can register for the event taking place on Wednesday, July 27th at WQED studios from 5:00 to 8:15 p.m. The event is highly participatory and includes a reception, pre-reading and pre and post surveys, moderated small group deliberation, Q&A panel discussion and a special Deliberative Theater performance conveying the controversy and viewpoints of Shale drilling. Seating is limited and participants will be chosen by random, not first to sign up. Please note, however, that WQED will televise the event in the fall and issue a DVD about it while Pop City will provide event coverage in future issues.

At this event, participants will have the opportunity to delve deeply into a highly controversial issue with a focus on listening to all views and reaching a conclusion after deliberation. Read more about deliberative democracy here.

Partner organizations: POP City Media, WQED-TV, Unseam'd Shakespeare, the Program for Deliberative Democracy at Carnegie Mellon, and CORO.

Photograph courtesy previous Deliberative Democracy event

June 30: Deadline for Heritage Seed Savers Kickstarter

2011-06-30T01:01:00.002-04:00

The Heritage Seed Collective, created by Blackberry Meadows Farm, is nearing the conclusion of a $10,000 Kickstarter project. If this goal is met by July 1 (at 2:44 a.m.), then the Collective will receive a Sprout Fund grant from the, thirty regional heritage foods now considered "threatened" on the Slow Food Ark of Taste will find new life in local private and community gardens, and a dynamic website will enable seed-saving, seed-sharing, and collaboration. In the meantime, you can purchase Ark of Taste plants from Blackberry Meadows that come with packets and seed-saving instructions for next season's seeds.

You can read about the project in Patricia Lowry's story in the Post-Gazette: "Heritage Seeds: A Good Save" National Geographic looks at why the world needs seed banks in "Seeds Worth Saving"

Please consider contributing to the effort, by Thursday night! As with all Kickstarter projects, you are not charged unless the goal is met.

June 29: Public Hearing on Clean Construction bill

2011-06-29T23:22:00.000-04:00

Important Public Hearing: Clean Air Bill for Pittsburgh

After hearing public comment, Pittsburgh City Council will hold a Preliminary Vote on a bill “To Reduce Diesel Emission from Construction Equipment used in Publicly-Funded Development.”

10 a.m. to noon on the 5th Floor of the City-County Building, 414 Grant St. Pittsburgh, 15219

The public will be able to comment at this meeting without prior registration. If you are at all able, please attend this important City Council session. There are still swing votes on Council, and it is essential that we fill Council Chambers to demonstrate public support for this legislation.

Diesel emissions are a prime cause of air pollution in a city that is often given the title “Most Livable.” Let’s make it “More Livable” for all!

Background:

Diesel emissions harm our health, our environment and our economy.
Publicly-funded development should be a partner in protecting our health and environment.
Diesel soot cancer risk in Pittsburgh area is 124 times greater than EPA’s acceptable cancer level of 1 in a million. Our risk is 1 in 8,064.
Pittsburgh area workers projected to miss 5,666 days of work in 2011 because of unnecessary exposure to diesel fine particles.
Kids’ emergency room visits for asthma-like symptoms 400% higher in Pittsburgh than other cities.
Black carbon, emitted by diesel vehicles, is one of the largest contributing pollutants to global warming.
The Clean Air Bill will require that contracts for publicly-funded development in the City of Pittsburgh must ensure that all diesel vehicles on site to have the Best Available Diesel Control Technology installed and that ultra low sulfur diesel fuel is used by construction vehicles

June 28: Rally to protest H.R. 2018

2011-06-28T23:49:00.001-04:00

Not satisfied with merely trying to undo the Clean Air Act, the House of Representatives has now decided to attack the federal Clean Water Act with the introduction of H.R. 2018, that has come from the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Several Democrats, including Representatives Nick Rahall (WV), Jason Altmire (PA) and Tim Holden (PA), have co-sponsored the legislation.

On Tuesday, June 28th, U.S. Congressman Jason Altmire (PA-04) will host an "Educational Evening," a panel discussion with Marcellus Shale experts from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Community College of Allegheny County's North Campus, located at 8701 Perry Highway, Pittsburgh, PA, 15237.

Marcellus Protest will hold a rally prior to this event, at 6 p.m. The rally is in opposition to the newly introduced bill, which would paralyze the already limping EPA - the bill is an attack on the federal Clean Water Act – and Cong. Altmire is one of the bill’s sponsors.
Why the rush to get H.R. 2018 through Congress?

• Is it due to the EPA’s current studies on fracking’s impact on water? The federal EPA is studying both Bradford and Washington counties. Last week the agency confirmed high levels of sodium in a Bradford County couple’s water well. This increase occured after a near by Chesapeake gas well blew up two months ago.
• Is another factor pressure from political donors in the gas drilling industry? US Congress members, including Jason Altmire, continue to receive thousands of dollars from drillers.
The Federal Clean Water Act requires states to implement minimum provisions to protect water quality, ensuring a minimum standard of protection. This prevents a “race to the bottom” in states, like PA, where the benefits of clean water are ignored for short term economic and political gain.
H.R. 2018, known as the “Clean Water Cooperative Federalism Act of 2011,” would remove the EPA’s ability to protect our nation’s water without state-by-state approval.
It would limit the EPA’s ability to make and implement improvements to state water quality standards that would reflect modern pollution challenges. It would restrict the EPA from upgrading toxic pollutants standards where existing standards currently provide limited protection. This would allow states free rein to define their standards and would block the EPA’s ability to withhold federal funding to states even if the state’s implementation of water quality standards does not protect water quality.

June 25: The Big Remake: Party for Reuse

2011-06-25T10:05:00.002-04:00

The Big Remake: A Benefit Party for the Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse

Creative Reuse Pittsburgh is getting a new name and a big beautiful new space. Come help celebrate the new Center, at three events in one day! Make-and-wear your reused fashion ● Remade Fashion Parade with prizes ● hands-on "make and take" creative activities and games ● local art vendors ● Upcycled Art Exhibit and silent auction* ● tasty food, beer and wine (evening events only) ● live painting, music, performance art ●photobooth by Pixelle ● hooping with Steel City Hoop Union ● music by Calamity Jenn ● dance party with DJ Mary Mack

Choose one event or all three: Family Fun Afternoon, 1-4 p.m.: Kid-friendly fun for all ages!($20 for 6-person family pass, $6/person at the door
Grown-up Remake Playdate, 7-10 p.m.; 18 and older ($12 in advance, $15 at the door)
Late Night Dance Party, 10p.m. - 1 a.m. ($5 in advance, $6 at the door)
In the site of the new Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse, 214 N. Lexington Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15208 (next to Construction Junction). Enter through the red door on Lexington where Thomas Blvd. ends. Parking is easy in the Construction Junction lot, or on Thomas Boulevard. Tickets are available in our shop (Wed.-Sat. 10-5, Sun. 12-4), or online at http://bigremake.eventbrite.com/

The current Creative Reuse Pittsburgh shop is located inside Construction Junction, at 214 N. Lexington Street in the Point Breeze section of Pittsburgh. To find us, go through the main Construction Junction entrance, turn left and walk past the checkout line and the vending machines. We are in the second door on the left, and up the stairs.

For more information about the materials available, and for photos of the retail area, see our page about purchasing materials at http://crpshopping.blogspot.com/
More time than money right now? We need volunteers to help us run the event and move into the the new space after the party. Sign-up in the shop, by email at shop@creativereusepittsburgh.org, or on Facebook at Facebook.com/creativereusepittsburgh.

*If you are an artist and would like to support PCCR by donating artwork, please email shop@creativereusepittsburgh.org or visit our Facebook page for more information.

June 21: Happy Summer!

2011-06-21T10:45:00.000-04:00

Summer Solstice is at 1:16 p.m. EDT. If Blogger were handling photos better these days, there would be an image of mysterious golden sunlike flowers.

June 12: Urban Chicken Coop Tour

2011-06-12T07:30:00.004-04:00

Chicks in the Hood and the Tour de Coop
Curious about what it would take to raise chickens in the city? Have a hankering for fresh local eggs in the morning? Wish you could take advantage of some of the benefits of country living right here in the City?

Or maybe you just like chickens...

Join us for the First Ever City of Pittsburgh Chicks-in-the-Hood Urban Chicken Coop Tour, a self-guided tour of backyard chicken coops around the City. Take a peek at backyards all over town for creative coop ideas and a chance to talk chicken with owners and other poultry enthusiasts. Plus you’ll get a chance to see other back- yard sustainability practices in place — like rain barrels, organic gardening techniques, composting, and more.

9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tickets for the tour are $5 - kids are free! Ticket purchase gets you a map with directions to each participating coop on the tour. All proceeds from each ticket sale will be donated to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank’s Urban Agriculture Programs, including The Farm Stand Project and the Plant-A-Row Project.

Tickets will be available the morning of the tour at The Quiet Storm www.qspgh.com at 5430 Penn Avenue in Friendship/Garfield, Tazza D’Oro www.tazzadoro.com at 1125 North Highland Avenue in Highland Park, Crazy Mocha www.crazymocha.com, 2 East North Avenue on the North Side, and 7665 Lock Way West, Pittsburgh, PA 15206, located at the Highland Park Dam at the intersection of Washington Boulevard and Allegheny River Boulevard. Questions or advanced tickets? Contact Jody by email noblechoder@aol.com or 412.441.4975.

Bikers can join in on the Tour de Coop Ride... 4 coops @ Frick Park and Highland Park, and the 3 coops on the Northside. Look for the Bike Tour info when you purchase your tickets at the above locations. The Chicks-in-the-Hood Bike Tour Starts strategically at the Commonplace Coffeehouse in Squirrel Hill at 9:00 am (a few doors East from that Carnegie Library branch). Group Departs promptly at 9:15 am and will head first to Josh & Kathy Knauer's coop, only a few blocks away off Beechwood but down a big hill. From there, the group will ride to see the 3 coops in the Highland Park Area. For those bikers who want to do both legs of the tour, they will then begin the connector leg to the Northside to visit 3 coops in that vicinity.

June 6: Water and Public Health forum in Squirrel Hill

2011-06-06T21:25:00.001-04:00

WATER’S WAYS: A Presentation & Discussion of Local Water Issues and Public Health

In conjunction with the exhibition Too Shallow for Diving: the 21st Century is Treading Water, participating artists Ann Rosenthal and Steffi Domike have organized a discussion of local water issues and public health with environmental and academic leaders:

Dr. Patty DeMarco, Director of the Rachel Carson Institute, Chatham University will discuss water issues and choices for the 21st Century. Dr. Charles Christen, Director of Operations for the Center for Healthy Environments & Communities (CHEC) at University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Public Health will address the public health implications of water and Marcellus Shale development. Dr. Christen worked closely with Dr. Conrad "Dan" Volz who recently resigned as Director of CHEC. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions of the speakers and artists, and will be able to view the exhibition.

The exhibition Too Shallow for Diving: the 21st Century is Treading Water, guest curated by artist and educator Carolyn Speranza explores the environment, especially those issues surrounding water and its impact on our planet, human health and public welfare.

7 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center, 5748 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh 15217 (Squirrel Hill near Murray Ave). Free and open to the public; for more information, contact Ann Rosenthal, Dargan Street Studios, 412-688-0417, atrart@gmail.com or visit http://www.jccpgh.org/page/ajm .

June 6: Growing food with Sustainable Monroeville

2011-06-06T09:58:00.001-04:00

An experiential evening on eating your yard and our new edible garden! Join Sustainable Monroeville downstairs program room to hear Moni Wesner, retired physician, speak on eating your lawn and Lois Drumheller on the new food garden using permaculture principles on Monroeville Municiapl property outside the Monroeville Public Library. We will walk outside and see the great garden and all go home with an edible plant to plant!

7 pm at the Monroeville Public Library.

May 26: Musical fundraiser for Sust Enable film

2011-05-26T00:44:00.001-04:00

Sust Enable: The Metamentary is an unique grassroots film project based in Pittsburgh, PA that explores "what does sustainability mean?" and "what would it look like to embody sustainability?"

This "Meet-Up" is meant to introduce our documentary film project to YOU. Come to relax, socialize, and enjoy the fine coffee and tea beverages created at this great coffee shop.

The owner of Lili, Rob, is nice enough to offer to stay open past normal shop hours to allow us to have this event. So, there will be coffee and tea for purchase to benefit Lili. We will have snacks, music (by the film's producer, Caroline Savery), and interactive presentations about sustainability.

6-8 p.m. at the Lili Coffee Shop (3138 Dobson Street, Pittsburgh 15219). There is a $5 to $15 sliding scale donation (but of course, no one will be turned away due to lack of funds) to help fund the production this great film. Cash only, please.

May 25: Public meeting on Urban Ag

2011-05-25T17:19:00.000-04:00

How to Apply for an Urban Agriculture Zoning Permit -- Do you have or want to have honeybees or chickens on your property, or sell veggies from a farm stand at a community garden site? Need to apply for the City of Pittsburgh's new Urban Ag Zoning Permit? Come get questions answered and learn about the process to help you apply in an efficient way. Representatives from Burgh Bees, Grow Pittsburgh, the Penn State Cooperative Extension and the city planning department will review the application process for the urban ag zoning permits. We will cover the basic application procedure, explain how to properly fill out the application and demonstrate all materials needed to make the application process smoother.

6-7:30 p.m. in Meeting Room 1 of the Carnegie Library of Homewood. Limited to 60 participants; please RSVP by Monday, May 23 to: Burghbees@gmail.com In the subject line please put RSVP Urban Ag Meeting.

This meeting is sponsored by Burgh Bees, Grow Pittsburgh, the Penn State Cooperative Extension and the Pittsburgh Food Policy Council.

May 21-25: "Queen of the Sun" bee documentary

2011-05-22T13:40:00.000-04:00

Honey bees are an integral insect for our society, pollinating over 40% of our food crops. But recent research is proving that honey bees are on the decline and need our help. Honey bee colony collapse has wiped out nearly 5 million colonies in the U.S. While not fully understood, it has been linked to many causes. Air pollution can destroy the scents that flowers emit, making it hard for bees to find their food. Pesticide and insecticide use and the importation of foreign bees with novel viruses are other causes.

Queen of the Sun is a newly-released documentary describing this phenomenon, with screening release dates in different cities across the country beginning this month. The film will be featured in Pittsburgh from May 21-25 at the Melwood Screening Room of the Pittsburgh Filmmakers. Visit queenofthesun.com for more information about this issue, screening details, and how you can take action.

May 21-22: Plant sale in Squirrel Hill/Frick Park

2011-05-21T23:20:00.000-04:00

I have brought homegrown vegetable, herb, and perennial seedlings and transplants to a couple of community plant sales for two years now, and this spring I'm adding a home-based sale. I'll have a selection of heirloom tomatoes and tomatillos, cucumbers and chamomile, lavender and thyme, gourds and greens -- as well as seeds, potting soil, and organic soil amendments. You'll have an opportunity to visit my little permaculture oasis in Frick Park, and and a portion of sales will benefit the Colfax PTO.

Saturday 9 a.m. to 12 noon; Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at my house in Frick Park. Please email me for directions: maren dot cooke at gmail dot com.

May 21: PGH: a Peaceful Gathering of Hands

2011-05-21T14:56:00.003-04:00

It's a festival, it's an expo, it's a Peaceful Gathering of Hands! The intention of this event is to unite a diverse range of groups and people from all over the city. During this free and collaborative event, we'll all stand in a circle holding hands every hour on the hour from noon to five pm. We're asking each group to paint a banner demonstrating how they are creating a more peaceful Pittsburgh. Feel free to bring food, instruments, art, and a vision for a Peaceful Pittsburgh and Planet.

12n - 5 p.m. on the big hill near Schenley Oval, next to the ice rink. For more information, call Kevin at 412-298-5341 or email philopgh@gmail.com .

May 19: Marcellus Citizen Stewardship Project training

2011-05-19T17:44:00.002-04:00

The Mountain Watershed Association and the Center for Healthy Environments and Communities at the University of Pittsburgh will be holding a Marcellus Visual Assessment Training in Pittsburgh on May 19, 2011 as part of the new Marcellus Citizen Stewardship Project. This project, which is being piloted in the Youghiogheny River watershed but is expected to spread throughout the southwestern Pennsylvania region, provides citizens with tools and knowledge to responsibly monitor Marcellus shale development to aid in community and environmental protection.

The Marcellus Citizen Stewardship Project offers basic Visual Assessment Trainings that provide information on monitoring Marcellus shale development. Participants will learn to use their senses of sight, hearing and smell to identify potential issues resulting from drilling operations; this approach is unique because no technical equipment is necessary. Data gathered through this process is uploaded using simple online forms and eventually is integrated into FracTracker, an interactive data platform providing citizens with a common place to learn about and share information on Marcellus shale
gas operations. Visual Assessment Trainings also provide information on permitting and regulations, air and water pollution, the use of FracTracker, how to file a complaint, and safety. After completing this basic training, participants will have the opportunity to sign up for further instruction in air or water monitoring.

This event is free and open to the public, and citizens in areas where Marcellus shale extraction is occurring or proposed are encouraged to attend.

6-9 p.m. at the Bridgeside Point building, 100 Technology Drive, Pittsburgh 15219 (Map). For more information about the event, visit http://www.mtwatershed.com/events.html or contact Veronica Coptis at the Mountain Watershed Association: 724-455-4200, ext. 4#.

May 17: Primary elections

2011-05-17T02:05:00.000-04:00

Tuesday is primary day!

Election guides are available from the Pittsburgh CityPaper, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the League of Women Voters, and Planned Parenthood.

May 10: GASLAND screening and discussion

2011-05-10T16:12:00.001-04:00

Please join Sustainable Monroeville for a screening and community discussion

of the documentary film  GASLAND. The largest natural gas drilling boom in

U.S. history has swept across the country, as the drilling technology of 'fracking'

or hydraulic fracturing has unlocked a 'Saudia Arabia of natural gas'  beneath

our feet. But is fracking safe? When filmmaker Josh Fox is asked to lease his

land for drilling, he embarks on a cross-country odyssey to find out.

7-8:30 p.m. at the Monroeville Public Library Gallery Space

May 10: Feeding the Earth workshop

2011-05-10T06:16:00.002-04:00

Learn why composting is one of the most hopeful frontiers in our world, and ways that each of us can help move it in the right directions.

Over the past two decades, backyard composting has become increasingly popular among households in many countries, and growing numbers of institutional food-waste generators (restaurants, cafeterias, supermarkets) have begun to divert their organic waste to composting facilities. In this slide-show-based lecture, Nick Shorr argues that these twin movements may offer a shift in our relations to Nature that is of historic proportions.

7-9 p.m. at the Phipps Garden Center, 5th & Shady in Shadyside, Pittsburgh. $10 per session ($15 for couples). Includes hand-outs and refreshments. For more information, email Nick Shorr, or call him at: (412) 488-7490 ext. 232. To sign up for a Feeding the Earth workshop, click here! Prepayment is not required for registration.

May 4: Air Toxics Guidelines Public Meeting

2011-05-04T23:30:00.001-04:00

Allegheny County continues to release more toxic chemicals than Beaver, Butler, Washington, and Westmoreland Counties combined! These chemicals damage our environment and harm our health. The Allegheny County Health Department uses the Air Toxic Guidelines to control future sources of pollution. The existing version was established in 1988, making it over 20 years old.

Currently, a committee of academics, industry professionals and environmental advocates is working to develop a new document for the Health Department. These are some of the questions the committee is debating:

Should the Air Toxic Guidelines be a Regulation that is enforceable in the courts?
Should the cumulative pollution impact of all industry in an area be considered?

Should the guidelines address all sources of pollution, or only new ones?

Who has the final say on whether or not a permit gets issued?

Public officials need to hear community input to make the new document used for permitting pollution sources and protecting the air we breathe as strong as possible!

A public comment session will be held at 6 p.m. at the Avalon Borough Building, 640 California Avenue, Pittsburgh 15202. For more information please contact Julie St. John at jstjohn@cleanwater.org or 412.765.3053.

May 4: House Concert with Randal Bays & Davey Mathias

2011-05-04T23:03:00.021-04:00

I don't often post musical events here, but this one doubles as a visit to a local urban permaculture homestead (our house in Squirrel Hill): Join us for a lively evening with Randal Bays and Davey Mathias on Irish traditional fiddle and guitar, along with (mostly true) stories.

Randal Bays is a self-taught American musician (based in Seattle) whose mastery of the intricate art of Irish fiddle playing has earned him an international reputation among fans of Irish music. He’s known as an exciting and dynamic performer on both fiddle and fingerstyle guitar whose music grows out of a deep respect for the ancient wellsprings of the Irish tradition.

As one reviewer put it, “Few players have his subtle and warm touch. His playing is light and fluid yet still has a sense of power and passion. He's simply a joy to listen to.” (Dirty Linen Magazine, April 2001). Bays's 2005 release, “House to House” was selected by the Irish Times as one of the top five traditional recordings of the year, and the Cork Examiner called him "a rare beast, a master of both the fiddle and the guitar.”

After wandering into a wild session on a rainy night in Portland, Oregon in 1978, Randal took up the fiddle and started teaching himself to play Irish traditional music. He was influenced by many of the Irish musicians in the Northwest, including Kevin Burke, Michael Beglan, Michéal Ó’Domhnaill, and many more who passed through, including James Kelly, Joe Burke, etc. He eventually met the Clare fiddler Martin Hayes in Seattle and agreed to provide guitar accompaniment for Martin’s landmark debut recording in 1993. This led to the first of many trips to Ireland, where Randal’s fiddling found great acceptance among fans of traditional music.

In recent years Randal has toured and recorded with many of the finest Irish musicians, including James Keane and Daíthí Sproule (in the band Fingal), James Kelly, John Williams, Martin Hayes, Tony McManus, Aine Meenaghan, Roger Landes, and Dave Marshall. He has performed all over the U.S., Europe and Canada, including appearances at major festivals such as the Gaelic Roots Festival in Boston, the San Francisco Celtic Music and Arts Festival, the Festival Des Musiques-Vivantes in France, the Willie Clancy Summer School and Festival in Ireland, Catskills Irish Arts Week, Augusta Heritage Week, and many more.

Randal is a dedicated and thoughtful teacher of Irish fiddling, often in demand for workshops and music camps, and is a co-founder of the Friday Harbor Irish Music Camp in the San Juan Islands. He’s also composed original scores for several award-winning films and documentaries. You can learn more about him and hear sound clips at http://www.randalbays.com/ . A bit of video from a recent house concert with stellar guitarist Davey Mathias, from South Carolina, is available on YouTube. More videos of Randal with other musical partners are there as well, in the Related column.

Davey Mathias (based in Columbia, South Carolina) has played guitar since the age of 9 and has studied a wide variety of traditional styles. He honed his DADGAD guitar accompaniment, learning from Dathi Sproule and Paul Brady, with a nice mix of his own thoughtful style. He brings an authentic and respectful sound that complements Irish traditional music beautifully and has performed with Irish music masters such as Liz Knowles, Patty Furlong and Asheville’s Half Nine as well as Randal Bays. Davey is an accomplished tenor banjo player, as well, and applies his warm, laid-back banjo sound to the Irish melodies.

Doors open at 6:30, concert at 7 p.m.; a session is likely to follow, so bring instruments if you play! Suggested donation is $15, with all proceeds going to the artists. Seating is limited, and reservations are required; RSVP to Maren via email or phone (412-251-5814; please don't call after 9pm). Please let me know if you're coming (even if it's a maybe) as soon as possible, and I'll send you directions for car, bike, bus, or stroll through Frick Park as you wish. Likewise, let me know if you realize you can't make it after all, as there may be a waiting list. If you're driving, please carpool if possible (I'm happy to help connect people), as parking can be tight on our street.

"Bays is the genuine article." -- The Rough Guide to Irish Music.

May 1: Spring Garden Symposium at Phipps

2011-05-01T15:03:00.000-04:00

Home gardeners, gather at Phipps' historic Botany Hall for a talk with local gardening gurus. Guests are invited to join Doug Oster and Jessica Walliser, along with Phipps staff, for an informative, one-day symposium at historic Botany Hall.

The symposium, which will include talks, a question and answer session, garden giveaways, light refreshments and admission to Phipps Conservatory, is designed to help participants get the most out of their home gardens. Oster, an Emmy Award-winning producer, television host and writer, is Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Backyard Gardener and is co-host/producer of KDKA’s “The Organic Gardeners” Sunday morning radio show, along with Jessica Walliser, who also can be heard on WYEP and is a writer/editor for a number of gardening publications, including Organic Gardening and Urban Farm.

During the symposium, Oster and Walliser will each present a video of their home garden, then analyze one another’s garden spaces. Doug will give a presentation entitled, “Tomato Talk with Doug: Grow your Earliest, Biggest and Best Tomatoes Ever,” followed by a talk with Phipps’ integrated pest management specialist Scott Creary about organic and eco-friendly ways to keep bad bugs at bay, and a presentation by Walliser about back yard gardening. The symposium will wrap up with a joint talk presented by Oster and Walliser entitled, “Specialty Gardens: Great Ways to Re-Think how you Garden."

9 a.m. - 1 p.m. in Botany Hall (the small but grand building just to the left of the Conservatory). Light refreshments and admission to Phipps are included in the cost of admission. Seats are limited. Registration required: 412/441-4442, ext. 3925.

Apr 29-May 1: Regenerative Design workshop

2011-04-29T16:21:00.001-04:00

Healthy Land, Healthy Water, Healthy Community: Regenerating Pittsburgh from the Ground Up. Dave Jacke, author of Edible Forest Gardens, and local and regional permaculture teachers will give a talk and lead a weekend workshop on Principles and Practices of Regenerative Design.

Evening lecture at Chatham's Eddy Theatre (7-9 p.m. on Friday); workshop at Phipps Garden Center (1059 Shady Ave, near Fifth & Shady). Sliding scale $150-200, includes Friday lecture. Scholarships and group discounts available.

Visit PittsburghPermaculture or call Juliette at 412-780-5833 to register or learn more.

Apr 29: Regenerating Pittsburgh talk

2011-04-29T16:17:00.000-04:00

Healthy Land, Healthy Water, Healthy Community: Regenerating Pittsburgh from the Ground Up. Dave Jacke, author of Edible Forest Gardens, will give a talk entitled Regenerating Comunities, Ecosystems, and Landscapes with Permaculture, with special guest Darrell Frey.

7-9 p.m. at Chatham University's Eddy Theatre. Suggested donation $10 (free for Chatham students and staff; no one turned away for lack of funds). Included in weekend workshop.

Apr 28: Green Drinks with eLoop

2011-04-28T22:11:00.000-04:00

Pittsburgh Green Drinks April Edition will be hosted by Ned Eldridge, president and CEO of eLoop, LLC, the Pittsburgh company that responsibly recycles electronics. And this time there's a call to action; you can bring a cellphone or other small electronic item to Green Drinks for recycling (free of charge).

All cell phones collected by the eLoop Last Call program will be recycled in a responsible manner. Only BAN e-Steward Recyclers will process the data destruction to prevent identity theft . The end-of-life material will not be exported to developing countries or put in a landfill.

eLoop llc is a sustainability specialist that focuses on helping organizations to reduce their cost of recycling both Universal and Electronic Waste. In addition, eLoop specializes in secure Hard Drive Destruction by managing company's Reputational Risk. We currently operate a PA DEP permitted demanufacturing facility in Pittsburgh PA. As a responsible e-waste recycler we have signed the pledge of true stewardship with the Basel Action Network and are listed on their website (www.ban.org) as a pledged e-Stewards Recycler.

Join us to discuss how your company or organization can securely destroy sensitive hard drive data and recycle your obsolete electronic material in an environmentally responsible way.

Ned Eldridge is President of eLoop llc, an IT Sustainability company providing effective data destructions services while promoting sustainability through the proper reuse or recycling of IT assets. An entrepreneur since 1989, Ned has worked on merger and acquisition projects that have brought tremendous value to shareholders, and he truly understands how to bring value to his customers. With twenty (20) years of business and management experience, Ned is passionate about his company and supports a management philosophy that promotes a simple and direct business approach. eLoop works directly with corporate clients to manage the retirement of IT assets. eLoop focuses on the control and destruction of sensitive data, the refurbishment and remarketing of valuable equipment, and the ethical recycling of end of life electronics. Ned is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh - Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business and Penn State University.

5-9 p.m. at the Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel (also known as the Fulton Building, near the corner of Fort Duquesne Blvd. & 6th St.), 107 6th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, 412-562-1200.

Apr 28: Town Hall Meeting on Marcellus

2011-04-28T09:14:00.000-04:00

Town Hall Meeting: Deep Well Drilling of The Marcellus Shal

The Senate Democratic Policy Committee will host a town hall meeting on deep well drilling of the Marcellus Shale. Panels of public health, environmental, regulatory, local government and industry experts in the natural gas extraction field will be followed by a public comment period. Each speaker will be given a maximum of 3 minutes. To speak during the public comment section, you must register with Sen. Ferlo's office at (412) 621-3306.

The Marcellus Shale is a geological formation found under Pennsylvania, New York and West Virginia between 5,000 and 8,000 feet below the surface. The formation is estimated to hold 500 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. This fossil fuel resource possesses enormous opportunities, but perhaps even more environmental, public health, economic, and social challenges. Senator Ferlo has introduced SB 906 calling for a one year moratorium on expanded drilling and SB 680 which would establish stronger regulations and implement a severance tax to return revenue to local communities and various state environmental stewardship funds.

3 - 6 p.m. at the Holiday Inn, Pittsburgh University Center, 100 Lytton Ave, Pittsburgh. Visit www.senatorferlo.com to view the full agenda.

Apr 27: Protest the Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission

2011-04-27T11:52:00.000-04:00

Governor Corbett's Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission is made up of drilling industry supporters & has virtually NO representation of citizens or environmental advocates. Join groups from across Pennsylvania to make our voices heard!

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Rachel Carson Building (room 105), Harrisburg, PA. RSVP to Loretta at kenweir629@yahoo.com -- organizers will tally attendees and arrange carpools and/or buses.

For more information, go to http://marcellusprotest.org/node/956 or check it out and comment on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=216136418403798 .

Apr 26: Thomas Merton Center New Persons Award

2011-04-26T16:17:00.000-04:00

The Thomas Merton Center is excited to announce that this year's New Person Awards will recognize the tireless and courageous efforts of the Marcellus Shale Protest Group on April 26, 2011 beginning at 7:00 PM, at the East Liberty Presbyterian Church.

The 2011 TMC New Person Award winners are members of the Marcellus Shale Protest Group, an alliance of western PA groups & individuals who have joined together to build a broad movement to stop the destruction of our environment and communities caused by Marcellus Shale gas drilling, as well as to support affected communities. The TMC New Person Award event will feature short speeches by the awardees, light snacks, refreshments, and activist display tables featuring the works of local peace and justice organization.

7 p.m. at the East Liberty Presbyterian Church. Registration from $15/person; for more information and to register online, go here.

Apr 26-27: Nutrition conference in Harrisburg

2011-04-26T00:01:00.000-04:00

The Pennsylvania Nutrition Education Network’s Annual Conference 2011, Let's Keep Moving Toward Better Nutrition, will be held on April 26-27, 2011 at the Sheraton Harrisburg-Hershey Hotel in Harrisburg, PA.

Find Everything You Need to Keep Moving Toward Better Nutrition:

Speakers to include: Ivan Juzang, Mark Fenton, Ann Cooper just to name a few.
Topics to be presented include improving school lunch programs, gardening programs, at risk urban population and so much more!
Develop relationships with colleagues through networking opportunities.
Visit and meet with vendors at our expanded resource area.
DPW, CDR (ADA), and AAFCS credits/hours are available.

If you work with the low-income audience you need to attend this conference! Share ideas, challenges and insights on emerging food and nutrition issues and initiatives by networking with nutrition professionals from Pennsylvania. Expand your professional network while enhancing your personal skills and knowledge.

If you have any questions please contact Rose at rcleland@phmc.org or 717.233.1791.

Apr 24, 27, 28, May 3&4: Open space planning meetings

2011-04-25T23:02:00.000-04:00

The City of Pittsburgh is embarking on PLANPGH, the City’s first Comprehensive Plan. The purpose of PLANPGH is to create a shared vision and policies for the next 25 years of our City’s development.

OpenSpacePGH, the City’s Open Space, Parks, and Recreation Plan, is one of the initial components of PLANPGH, and will provide the City with goals and strategies for its parks, recreation, and formal open space systems, as well as a tool to assist in putting its vacant properties into productive re-use.

The outcome of these meetings will create the City’s vision for its open spaces, parks, and recreation areas, so get involved and help make Pittsburgh an even better place to live, work, play, and thrive!

More information can be found online at http://www.planpgh.com/ . Upcoming meetings include:

Upper East End: Monday, April 25 (6-8 PM)

Boys & Girls Club of Western PA, 4600 Butler Street (Lawrenceville)

Transit - 91 & 93 Bus Lines

South / West: Wednesday, April 27 (6-8 PM)

Mount Washington Senior Center, 122 Virginia Avenue (Mt. Washington)

Transit - 40 Bus Line

Lower East End: Thursday, April 28 (6-8 PM)

Greenfield Senior Center, 745 Greenfield Avenue (Greenfield)

Transit - 58 Bus Line

South Hills: Tuesday, May 3 (6:30-8:30 PM)

Seton Center, 1900 Pioneer Avenue (Brookline)

Transit - 41D Bus Line

Northside: Wednesday, May 4 (6-8 PM)

Pittsburgh King Pre K- 8 School, 50 Montgomery Street (Allegheny Center)

Transit - 16 & 500 Bus Lines

Apr 25: Marcellus Public Hearing in Sewickley

2011-04-25T22:11:00.000-04:00

After a public hearing that included two hours of citizen comments and a forum on the same topic, Sewickley Council is holding an additional session.

6:30 p.m. at Big Sewickley Creek Fire Hall Sewickley Hills, PA.

Apr 22: Earth Day

2011-04-22T22:20:00.002-04:00

Happy Earth Day, everyone! May the coming year be one in which things turn around...

-- Maren.

Apr 22: Sustainability symposium at Slippery Rock

2011-04-22T16:51:00.000-04:00

On Earth Day, Slippery Rock University will be hosting a symposium, “Towards a Sustainable Pennsylvania.” While the main focus of the event is on the Marcellus shale gas drilling issue, there will be simultaneous sessions for various groups and individuals to make presentations related to the symposium's overall topic.

Speakers will include former head of DEP John Hanger, economist Dr. Tim Kelsey (PSU), energy expert Dr. Michael Griffin (CMU), environmental expert Dr. John Stolz (DU), environmental expert Jon Laughner (PSU), health expert Dr. Charles Christen (Pitt), legal expert Ben Price (CELDF), economist Paul Dudenas (PIOGA), consulting geologist Dan Billman, and others.

9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at SRU's University Union.